Changes to council support services

Horsham Rural City Council will pass on the provision of Home Support Services in the municipality to an independent agency by the end of December.

The council made a decision at its July meeting to end its provision of the service.

It will hand over the reins to a provider recommended by federal and state governments.

The council decision comes after it asked for expressions of interest to find a suitable organisation to provide services including domestic help, respite care, personal care, meals on wheels and home maintenance.

The call attracted interest from seven agencies.

Mayor Mark Radford said all services in the municipality would continue with a new provider.

“The timing of the formal announcement of the successful provider will be decided by the Commonwealth and state governments,” he said.

“This has been a significant decision for our councillors and one we have not taken lightly.

“Our Home Support Services provide highly valued face-to-face assistance, particularly for older members in our community and we know that the quality of these services is appreciated.

“The council’s existing staff will have the opportunity to apply for positions to work with the new provider.

“In recent years there have been reforms in the aged and disability service sector. In our municipality a number of agencies are already working in these areas, providing high-quality care and service.

“We have made a recommendation to the Commonwealth Government and State Government that our preferred provider be approved.

“They are the final decision-makers, the council is only able to provide a recommendation.

“The council will assist clients during the transition process and will always be available to work with both the new provider and the members of our community who rely on this support.”

The council expects the transition to take two to three months from the government decision.